Let’s face it. The tech business is booming, and more and more of us are access everything we do through smartphone, tablet or computer. That being said, coding skills are in major demand this year and programming jobs are paying more than ever before. So how can you make sure you’re not missing out on the action?
I touched base with one of our in-house developers, Carlos, to come up with a list of programming languages and tech tips you need to know in order to really bank off your coding skills 2014.

1. Javascript

What it is: Javascript is a client and server-side scripting language developed by Netscape in 1995 that derives much of its syntax from C.

Why you need it: Javascript can be used across multiple web browsers and is considered essential for developing interactive or animated web functions. It is also used in game development and writing desktop applications. JavaScript interpreters are embedded in Google Chrome extensions, Apple Safari extensions, Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Reader and Adobe’s Creative Suite.

Carlos #TechTip:“Web Development is important to almost any company, and Javascript lets you write dynamic and feature-rich websites easily, and in a way that’s compatible with every major browser.”

2. SQL

What it is: Structured Query Language aka SQL, is a special-purpose language for managing data in relational database management systems standardized in the 1980’s.

Why you need it: SQL is most used for its “query” function which searches informational databases.

Carlos #TechTip:“A lot of companies store their data in some kind of SQL database. Knowing SQL lets you access your data and display it in ways that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to -such as reporting. And it allows for larger, more stable applications that multiple users can pull data from.”

3. C#

What it is: C# is a multi-paradigm language developed by Microsoft as part of its .NET initiative in 2012.

Why you need it: C# is one of the most highly expressive and easy to learn programming languages.

Carlos #TechTip: “C# is a very popular, high regarded, versatile language. Tons of top companies base their business on C# servers, so there is a lot of community support. There are also a lot of 3rd party, open source libraries for C# development that make things really easy.”

4. Java

What it is: Java is a class-based, object-oriented programming language developed by Sun Microsystems in 1990.

Why you need it: Java is one of the most in-demand programming languages. It is the standard for enterprise software, web-based content, games and mobile apps, as well as the Andriod operating system. Java is also designed to work across multiple software platforms, so a program written on Mac OS X, for example, could also run on Windows.

Carlos #TechTip:“Java is another popular language, so it has the same benefit of having a large community and open source libraries. Also, all Java programs are run on the JVM (Java Virtual Machine), which can be installed on any computer. Basically, you can take one Java program and run it on any kind of machine (Windows, Mac, Linus, whatever) as long as you have a Java Virtual Machine installed.”

5. Objective –C

What it is: Objective-C is a general-purpose, object-oriented programming language used by Apple’s operating system.

Why you need it: It powers Apple’s OS X and iOS, as well as its APIs, and can be used to create iPhone apps. Because this was once an outmoded programming language, it is now in huge demand.

Carlos #TechTip:“Think iPhone! iPhone users use their phones more than any of users, so everyone wants to have an iPhone app on the app store to increase visibility. Objective C made my top 5 because of how popular iPhones have become.”

6. Python

What it is: Python is a high-level, server-side scripting language for websites and mobile apps.

Why you need it: Python is considered a fairly easy language for beginners due to its readability and compact syntax. This means developers can use fewer lines of code to express a concept than they would in other languages. Python powers the major web apps for Instagram and Pinterest through its associated web framework, Django. Python is used by major companies like Google and NASA.

Carlos #TechTip:“Python is an easier language to learn than, say, Java or C# for new programmers. It’s also pretty popular and quickly becoming one of the need-to-know languages for 2014.”

Keep in mind these languages will vary by sector. Financial and enterprise systems need to perform complicated functions and remain highly organized, requiring languages like Java and C#. Media- and design-related webpages and software will require dynamic, versatile and functional languages with minimal code, such as JavaScript and Objective-C.